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Spider
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26Jenna is in her early thirties with a stable job, and hopes of a promotion are on the horizon. Life has had its ups and downs, but for the most part it’s been smooth sailing.
Until it starts.
She begins experiencing a symptom most of us will experience at least once in our lifetime. It’s very common, so no immediate sign for alarm. Jenna’s friends also reassure her that there’s nothing to worry about, which provides some relief.
In Jenna’s case, however, there is very much cause for alarm. Her reality begins to spin out of control, and she’s left grasping for answers as her condition keeps... growing... worse.
Would you like to learn another fact about Jenna? She hates spiders.
Sanity is not the only thing unraveling in her life, for something sinister is creeping beneath the layers.
And this something is threatening her survival.
Until it starts.
She begins experiencing a symptom most of us will experience at least once in our lifetime. It’s very common, so no immediate sign for alarm. Jenna’s friends also reassure her that there’s nothing to worry about, which provides some relief.
In Jenna’s case, however, there is very much cause for alarm. Her reality begins to spin out of control, and she’s left grasping for answers as her condition keeps... growing... worse.
Would you like to learn another fact about Jenna? She hates spiders.
Sanity is not the only thing unraveling in her life, for something sinister is creeping beneath the layers.
And this something is threatening her survival.
- GenresHorror
98 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 10, 2026
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Janelle Schiecke
4 books150 followersJanelle Schiecke is an indie horror author based in New Jersey.
She's published three horror novellas:
The Clatter Man
Death Cult
Ghost Room
Her fourth horror novella, titled Spider, releases March 10th, 2026. She is also writing a sequel to The Clatter Man.
Despite the dark nature of her stories, Janelle lives a very happy and cozy life. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling with her family, reading with her cats snuggled up close, and watching horror movies.
Yes, she loves Shudder.
You can follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle.schiecke
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/aMbPB
She's published three horror novellas:
The Clatter Man
Death Cult
Ghost Room
Her fourth horror novella, titled Spider, releases March 10th, 2026. She is also writing a sequel to The Clatter Man.
Despite the dark nature of her stories, Janelle lives a very happy and cozy life. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling with her family, reading with her cats snuggled up close, and watching horror movies.
Yes, she loves Shudder.
You can follow Janelle on her social media accounts below:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/J_Schiecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janelle.sch...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janelle.schiecke
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/aMbPB
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January 5, 2026REVIEW COMING SOON🕷️🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Your worst nightmare imagined, come true. Good thing this is under control
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun little horror novella. Strong character development and great build-up to the really gross, gut-punching nastiness to come. My only complaints were some awkward phrasing here and there and a lot less spider action than expected (but what we got was pretty gross and enjoyable, never fear). Decent and quick if you're in need of a horror fix.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was definitely a fun one!
It's all the right kinds of gross and unsettling that the title suggests.
It all happens fast, a steady escalation of yuck, ending with a WTF🤯🤮
It's all the right kinds of gross and unsettling that the title suggests.
It all happens fast, a steady escalation of yuck, ending with a WTF🤯🤮
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Spider by Janelle Schiecke
4.45 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Est. Pub. Date: March 10, 2026
Emerald Link Press
The dark recesses of a decrepit abandoned building…
💡 Orbs Prologue: Lying upon a silvery-threaded hammock, the enormous spider bides his time. Waiting for what or whom he is not sure, but his spider-sense feels an ominous presence. His eight eyes, similar to the number of his spindly legs, dart to the corner of the cold room. A noise, perhaps? Chalking it up to his imagination, he continues to read the book currently gripped in his pedipalps, or claws in layman's terms. Fascinating scenes take his imagination to a faraway, majestic land, where those of his kind remain revered. Resting upon his bloated abdomen, a bag of Fly Crisps balances itself, half empty, continuing to feed the junk food addiction. Skitter…skitter…silence! This time, he knows he heard a sound. His weathered bottom legs begin to untether from his comfortable position, and a grim look appears on his old, grey face. Whatever could it be?
🧐 A small glimpse: Echoing in Jenna’s mind are visions of spiders. Creepy, crawly eight-legged monsters that weigh heavily on Jenna’s sanity. Eradication is the only course of action. The bug-splotched room remains silent, and yet Jenna starts to hear ringing, as tinnitus intermittently interrupts her day. Pain comes and goes, often leaving Jenna gobsmacked as to what might be the cause of her health issues. The stakes have been raised as Jenna prepares to give a presentation to enhance her chances of a job promotion. Natural anxiety, jitters, and nervousness accompany unidentified eye goop and unrelenting cranial pain, rendering Jenna floundering and having to reschedule her critical meeting. A doctor is needed, and whether that be of the medical or psychological kind is yet to be determined. As author Janelle Schiecke traps readers' minds within a silken web, a tightly woven fictional cocoon, we remain helpless to escape the inherent fear that overtakes our senses. Jenna’s journey begins in fright and ends in horrendous reality. That sometimes our fears are 100% justified!
👍 Orbs Pros: Janelle Schiecke gets it! You can tell she is an avid fan of horror, specializing in the subtleties that lie within the grotesque genre. There is beauty in the descriptions, the slowing down of the scene to let the reader visualize every single eye twitch, raising our heart rate, like a camera panning in closely, the boom mic picking up the delicious sounds of flesh falling from the body. From the opening sentence, my amygdala signaled panic. With tight prose, Schiecke delivers an experience that will keep your skin crawling. I loved Jenna! Our protagonist is a strong woman, an overachiever who must deal with this “flaw” of arachnophobia. In this tale, the mental anguish starts to match the physical pain, thus creating havoc in Jenna’s normal existence.
👎 Orbs Cons: I couldn’t think of any major flaws, although I will throw this out there: If you have issues with spiders, this book will leave you tilted! The way in which Schiecke sprinkles in some of her magic makes you truly ponder, Wait, could that really happen? Scary stuff for sufferers of arachnophobia. I might also add that this novel isn’t coated with a splatterpunk offering of gore and guts, relying instead upon the tension of the psychological sort. As you can see, I am scraping the bottom of the barrel to try and find any type of faults here.
Highly Recommended! Such fun! This novella was my third completed story by Janelle Schiecke. She is a must-read author for me at this point. Perhaps it’s her passion for the genre that resonates with me, but there is a special ingredient that lingers in my mind after I consume Schiecke’s books.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: The small wisps of bristled body hair gently move as the draft of frigid air moves through the room. The spider is moving! I duck into the shadows of the corner of the far wall. Skittering on my human legs, I remain shielded from the predators' eight eyes. My diminutive stature is perplexing. As the size of a beetle, I have to fend off even the most docile of insects to remain intact. I am terrified to the core, as six of the eight legs have reached the cracked floor. Silently, using monstrous eyes, tiny muscles contracting, a swiveling gaze upon the room. Scanning, scanning… like Big Brother watching out for any wrongdoings. I begin to faint, tripping over my feet, casting me into the moonlight… I remain sprawled out face down… The hideous spider pounces; it has found its target, only to be mortified and draw back in panic of its own. The old, menacing spider suffers from anthropophobia, a fear of humans! While apparently tiptoeing on two legs, the spider cocks the book back, and with a thunderous whack, smashes my limp body into bloody bits… As if falling, I awake, shaking away the horrific film that just played in my dreams. Sweat-drenched, I move to the bathroom to splash cool water on my face and am greeted by a small “friend”...the house spider tilts up at me as if to make peace, cementing a mutual understanding that connects us both!
Many thanks to Janelle Schiecke and Emerald Link Press for the ARC through BookFunnel in exchange for my honest review.
4.45 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Est. Pub. Date: March 10, 2026
Emerald Link Press
The dark recesses of a decrepit abandoned building…
💡 Orbs Prologue: Lying upon a silvery-threaded hammock, the enormous spider bides his time. Waiting for what or whom he is not sure, but his spider-sense feels an ominous presence. His eight eyes, similar to the number of his spindly legs, dart to the corner of the cold room. A noise, perhaps? Chalking it up to his imagination, he continues to read the book currently gripped in his pedipalps, or claws in layman's terms. Fascinating scenes take his imagination to a faraway, majestic land, where those of his kind remain revered. Resting upon his bloated abdomen, a bag of Fly Crisps balances itself, half empty, continuing to feed the junk food addiction. Skitter…skitter…silence! This time, he knows he heard a sound. His weathered bottom legs begin to untether from his comfortable position, and a grim look appears on his old, grey face. Whatever could it be?
🧐 A small glimpse: Echoing in Jenna’s mind are visions of spiders. Creepy, crawly eight-legged monsters that weigh heavily on Jenna’s sanity. Eradication is the only course of action. The bug-splotched room remains silent, and yet Jenna starts to hear ringing, as tinnitus intermittently interrupts her day. Pain comes and goes, often leaving Jenna gobsmacked as to what might be the cause of her health issues. The stakes have been raised as Jenna prepares to give a presentation to enhance her chances of a job promotion. Natural anxiety, jitters, and nervousness accompany unidentified eye goop and unrelenting cranial pain, rendering Jenna floundering and having to reschedule her critical meeting. A doctor is needed, and whether that be of the medical or psychological kind is yet to be determined. As author Janelle Schiecke traps readers' minds within a silken web, a tightly woven fictional cocoon, we remain helpless to escape the inherent fear that overtakes our senses. Jenna’s journey begins in fright and ends in horrendous reality. That sometimes our fears are 100% justified!
👍 Orbs Pros: Janelle Schiecke gets it! You can tell she is an avid fan of horror, specializing in the subtleties that lie within the grotesque genre. There is beauty in the descriptions, the slowing down of the scene to let the reader visualize every single eye twitch, raising our heart rate, like a camera panning in closely, the boom mic picking up the delicious sounds of flesh falling from the body. From the opening sentence, my amygdala signaled panic. With tight prose, Schiecke delivers an experience that will keep your skin crawling. I loved Jenna! Our protagonist is a strong woman, an overachiever who must deal with this “flaw” of arachnophobia. In this tale, the mental anguish starts to match the physical pain, thus creating havoc in Jenna’s normal existence.
👎 Orbs Cons: I couldn’t think of any major flaws, although I will throw this out there: If you have issues with spiders, this book will leave you tilted! The way in which Schiecke sprinkles in some of her magic makes you truly ponder, Wait, could that really happen? Scary stuff for sufferers of arachnophobia. I might also add that this novel isn’t coated with a splatterpunk offering of gore and guts, relying instead upon the tension of the psychological sort. As you can see, I am scraping the bottom of the barrel to try and find any type of faults here.
Highly Recommended! Such fun! This novella was my third completed story by Janelle Schiecke. She is a must-read author for me at this point. Perhaps it’s her passion for the genre that resonates with me, but there is a special ingredient that lingers in my mind after I consume Schiecke’s books.
💡 Orbs Epilogue: The small wisps of bristled body hair gently move as the draft of frigid air moves through the room. The spider is moving! I duck into the shadows of the corner of the far wall. Skittering on my human legs, I remain shielded from the predators' eight eyes. My diminutive stature is perplexing. As the size of a beetle, I have to fend off even the most docile of insects to remain intact. I am terrified to the core, as six of the eight legs have reached the cracked floor. Silently, using monstrous eyes, tiny muscles contracting, a swiveling gaze upon the room. Scanning, scanning… like Big Brother watching out for any wrongdoings. I begin to faint, tripping over my feet, casting me into the moonlight… I remain sprawled out face down… The hideous spider pounces; it has found its target, only to be mortified and draw back in panic of its own. The old, menacing spider suffers from anthropophobia, a fear of humans! While apparently tiptoeing on two legs, the spider cocks the book back, and with a thunderous whack, smashes my limp body into bloody bits… As if falling, I awake, shaking away the horrific film that just played in my dreams. Sweat-drenched, I move to the bathroom to splash cool water on my face and am greeted by a small “friend”...the house spider tilts up at me as if to make peace, cementing a mutual understanding that connects us both!
Many thanks to Janelle Schiecke and Emerald Link Press for the ARC through BookFunnel in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Janelle's done it again.
I received this book as an ARC, and I am literally never disappointed by this author. Sometimes I feel as though this author writes for me (although I know she doesn't) because of how much I enjoy her work.
On the day that I received my copy of Spider, I got into bed and snuggled in tight. I was ready to be a little stressed upon reading, because I'm terrified of spiders (so the horror for me was already built in to the premise). I didn't expect to enjoy it in the same way as her other work, purely for the fact that I truly cannot stand to look at or think about spiders.
Something that Janelle continues to do, is tell a punchy story which doesn't let up. You're never wondering what her point is, or where she's leading us. You trust her. This queen of horror knows what she's doing and is exploring different styles of storytelling, nailing it for this reader.
I've put a quick note at the bottom of this review of the things I enjoyed the most. I still hate spiders, and now I don't look at the walls during bed time. That's what Schiecke has done to me. I can't look at the walls in the dark, and I don't like wind chimes anymore.
There may be a spoiler below, so please stop reading this review if you don't want any spoilers.
***********POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW****************
What really made this story for me, was the psychological deterioration of the MC and the look inside her brain/skull where we get to see the progress of this creature and what it's doing. One of my favourite tropes is (not even sure if it's a trope but it's something I look for in a book) when your main character loses themselves, their mind or control altogether.
I received this book as an ARC, and I am literally never disappointed by this author. Sometimes I feel as though this author writes for me (although I know she doesn't) because of how much I enjoy her work.
On the day that I received my copy of Spider, I got into bed and snuggled in tight. I was ready to be a little stressed upon reading, because I'm terrified of spiders (so the horror for me was already built in to the premise). I didn't expect to enjoy it in the same way as her other work, purely for the fact that I truly cannot stand to look at or think about spiders.
Something that Janelle continues to do, is tell a punchy story which doesn't let up. You're never wondering what her point is, or where she's leading us. You trust her. This queen of horror knows what she's doing and is exploring different styles of storytelling, nailing it for this reader.
I've put a quick note at the bottom of this review of the things I enjoyed the most. I still hate spiders, and now I don't look at the walls during bed time. That's what Schiecke has done to me. I can't look at the walls in the dark, and I don't like wind chimes anymore.
There may be a spoiler below, so please stop reading this review if you don't want any spoilers.
***********POTENTIAL SPOILERS BELOW****************
What really made this story for me, was the psychological deterioration of the MC and the look inside her brain/skull where we get to see the progress of this creature and what it's doing. One of my favourite tropes is (not even sure if it's a trope but it's something I look for in a book) when your main character loses themselves, their mind or control altogether.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, I love bugs and insects. And although spiders aren't bugs or insects, I love archnids as well. But after reading this novella, I just might be a bit more cautious around them!
A woman suffering from arachnophobia sees a spider in her room one night and does what any person would do. Smashes it. But this is going to lead to something absolutely horrifying. Pretty soon she starts to experience certain physical ailments, blurry vision, headaches, not remembering things and more. She's up for a big promotion at work but as her condition starts deteriorating, she's in danger of losing it all.
And, yeah, it's all about the spiders. I don't want to give anything away but let's just say this one is absolutely skin crawling. It's got terrifying body horror, psychological horror, and a narrative which demands you to not look any further, although you absolutely will. This is sort of a creature feature type novella except the "creature" in question is something we're all familiar with.
The pacing is spot on and the scares are real. If you have arachnophobia or are just scared of spiders, IT WON'T HELP! But things are going to get delightfully disgusting and that's the best kind of horror. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
A woman suffering from arachnophobia sees a spider in her room one night and does what any person would do. Smashes it. But this is going to lead to something absolutely horrifying. Pretty soon she starts to experience certain physical ailments, blurry vision, headaches, not remembering things and more. She's up for a big promotion at work but as her condition starts deteriorating, she's in danger of losing it all.
And, yeah, it's all about the spiders. I don't want to give anything away but let's just say this one is absolutely skin crawling. It's got terrifying body horror, psychological horror, and a narrative which demands you to not look any further, although you absolutely will. This is sort of a creature feature type novella except the "creature" in question is something we're all familiar with.
The pacing is spot on and the scares are real. If you have arachnophobia or are just scared of spiders, IT WON'T HELP! But things are going to get delightfully disgusting and that's the best kind of horror. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spider is the latest novella from indie horror writer Janelle Schiecke and in ways is her best story yet. Skin-crawling tale is of thirty-something Jenna who has severe arachnophobia. Having encountered a spider in her bedroom one morning and then having a strange ringing start in her ears and pressure and pain form in her head, Jenna's paranoia and imagination go into overdrive. Jenna starts to believe there is a spider living in her head, thought that is scientifically impossible... isn't it?
That's the fun of this story of phobia-based terror as Jenna is a woman with a strong fear and a lot of anxieties. This makes her a prime candidate for paranoia and an unleashed imagination when she starts to believe there is something creeping around inside her head. If you have a fear of spider's this tale will be rough road ahead, but it is a lot of fun as Jenna progressively starts to believe her worst nightmare has come true. Schiecke weaves a web of goosebump inducing and sometimes outright gross moments as our likeable and embattled heroine has spiders on the brain... and maybe inside as well? Another enjoyable horror from Janelle Schiecke that is a fast and unnerving read.
That's the fun of this story of phobia-based terror as Jenna is a woman with a strong fear and a lot of anxieties. This makes her a prime candidate for paranoia and an unleashed imagination when she starts to believe there is something creeping around inside her head. If you have a fear of spider's this tale will be rough road ahead, but it is a lot of fun as Jenna progressively starts to believe her worst nightmare has come true. Schiecke weaves a web of goosebump inducing and sometimes outright gross moments as our likeable and embattled heroine has spiders on the brain... and maybe inside as well? Another enjoyable horror from Janelle Schiecke that is a fast and unnerving read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Chapter one; we meet Jenna, an instantly likable character who has a bad case of arachnophobia.
She has an unwelcome guest before she finally gets into bed and goes to sleep.
She wakes up with a pounding headache and memories of a lousy blind date she'd recently endured.
When she gets herself together, she heads out to a new Italian bistro to meet her two best friends, Lisa and Marissa. They chat about the blind date and Jenna's two-year relationship that ended badly. While they are chatting, Jenna gets a loud ringing in her ear. They attribute it to a case of tinnitus.
I thought it was cool when Lisa gave Jenna the name of her doctor.
Then our dear Lisa drops a wonderful easter egg.
There is no way that I'd drop spoilers to ruin this great story! I will say that I love the MRI scene, and was shocked by the 'exit the elevator' turn of events.
A final thought that has been haunting me...
WHAT WILL JANELLE'S NEXT CREATION BE ?
Goosebumps creep up my arms at just the thought.
Grab all of Janelle Schiecke's books, you will never be disappointed !
Chapter one; we meet Jenna, an instantly likable character who has a bad case of arachnophobia.
She has an unwelcome guest before she finally gets into bed and goes to sleep.
She wakes up with a pounding headache and memories of a lousy blind date she'd recently endured.
When she gets herself together, she heads out to a new Italian bistro to meet her two best friends, Lisa and Marissa. They chat about the blind date and Jenna's two-year relationship that ended badly. While they are chatting, Jenna gets a loud ringing in her ear. They attribute it to a case of tinnitus.
I thought it was cool when Lisa gave Jenna the name of her doctor.
Then our dear Lisa drops a wonderful easter egg.
There is no way that I'd drop spoilers to ruin this great story! I will say that I love the MRI scene, and was shocked by the 'exit the elevator' turn of events.
A final thought that has been haunting me...
WHAT WILL JANELLE'S NEXT CREATION BE ?
Goosebumps creep up my arms at just the thought.
Grab all of Janelle Schiecke's books, you will never be disappointed !
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great story from Janelle Schiecke. A really great take on a classic childhood phobia that can grow into something debilitating later in adulthood. The slow creep of a subtle ringing in the ears while you let your mind go wild with thoughts of a much bigger problem. Like the kind of people that get a bad reaction from something and go down a rabbit hole on WebMD. Janelle even throws in some great references in the story including her classic character The Clatterman. Also a subtle reference to a great horror movie Last House On The Left. If you get up with a fear of spiders or a fascination with spiders, Spider will have you hooked to find the ultimate solution. If there are any fans of the movie Arachnophobia, you will enjoy this one as well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A unique skin-crawling horror experience
Janelle Schiecke delivers a unique skin-crawling horror experience that will stay in reader’s heads and mine for quite some time. Using fear as a vessel alongside a fantastic plot where tension gradually builds; I could not look away while frantically turning pages to see what would unfold next.
‘Spider’ gets the vote as Schiecke’s most unique and different read while also retaining that brand of strong storytelling from a writer really in their element. The ultimate ‘what if’ scenario sits centre stage in this tale of ‘Jenna’ who has career aspirations and a busy life which slowly tunes out after she encounters her worst fear. But the level of fear that revolves around her arachnophobia only gets worse with a premise that heightens everything to deliver a sensory horror tale.
The concept of phobia and how it invades our thoughts is a great theme here while being explored very well. For anyone looking to be immersed and also freaked out a little (in a good and entertaining way) then this is the tale for you! The cover art is exceptional also!
‘But if the danger is inside of you, there’s no escaping it. You’re simply along for the ride… hell, you are the ride.’
Janelle Schiecke delivers a unique skin-crawling horror experience that will stay in reader’s heads and mine for quite some time. Using fear as a vessel alongside a fantastic plot where tension gradually builds; I could not look away while frantically turning pages to see what would unfold next.
‘Spider’ gets the vote as Schiecke’s most unique and different read while also retaining that brand of strong storytelling from a writer really in their element. The ultimate ‘what if’ scenario sits centre stage in this tale of ‘Jenna’ who has career aspirations and a busy life which slowly tunes out after she encounters her worst fear. But the level of fear that revolves around her arachnophobia only gets worse with a premise that heightens everything to deliver a sensory horror tale.
The concept of phobia and how it invades our thoughts is a great theme here while being explored very well. For anyone looking to be immersed and also freaked out a little (in a good and entertaining way) then this is the tale for you! The cover art is exceptional also!
‘But if the danger is inside of you, there’s no escaping it. You’re simply along for the ride… hell, you are the ride.’
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the distinct pleasure of ARC reading this horror novella.
Jenna is living life: A stable job, promotion in the works and a solid friends circle. However, all that changes after a late night encounter with a spider sends her life into a downward spiral. Is it all in her head? Or is there something much more sinister at play?
This book was great! I actually cringed at a certain part. IYKYK. And much like all of Janelle's novellas, I could see this translating so well to screen. I absolutely love her love for old school horror. It comes out perfectly in her writing. My fear of spiders (and now tinnitus) is at an all-time high. Thank you, Janelle.
Jenna is living life: A stable job, promotion in the works and a solid friends circle. However, all that changes after a late night encounter with a spider sends her life into a downward spiral. Is it all in her head? Or is there something much more sinister at play?
This book was great! I actually cringed at a certain part. IYKYK. And much like all of Janelle's novellas, I could see this translating so well to screen. I absolutely love her love for old school horror. It comes out perfectly in her writing. My fear of spiders (and now tinnitus) is at an all-time high. Thank you, Janelle.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A skin-crawling blend of psychological and body horror, this novella starts with a little discomfort that grows into worry, then dread, and finally outright terror. The story is anchored by a relatable main character with a real, recognisable life, and this balance between human concerns and arachnid terror is one of Spider's greatest strengths.
Great writing, grounded characters, and enough chills to satisfy any horror fan, this is highly recommended (even if you're not fond of our little eight-legged friends).
Great writing, grounded characters, and enough chills to satisfy any horror fan, this is highly recommended (even if you're not fond of our little eight-legged friends).
Review of advance copy received from Author
lets take A dark and disturbing trip with author Janelle Schiecke sure to give you the Heebee Jeebies . in this tale of Arachnophobia Horror. as the main character Jenna believes there may be things happening to her that drive her into A downward spiral. [ do not want to give to much away ] A fast and very uneasy read for spider phobia people [ like me ha ha ]. thoroughly Enjoyed this from the dark mind of Janelle
Review of advance copy received from Author
Janelle has once again put together a tight little story that manages to do a lot in a few pages. She got me invested and had me curious up to the end. I’m not really scared of spiders but that didn’t hinder the reading experience.
Her other books lean a little closer to my personal tastes but I’d honestly recommend this one to anyone wanting to check out horror.
Excellent as per usual Janelle!
Her other books lean a little closer to my personal tastes but I’d honestly recommend this one to anyone wanting to check out horror.
Excellent as per usual Janelle!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An excellent, tightly crafted novella that spins a web of unrelenting body horror. With SPIDER, Schiecke transforms personal fears into a sticky descent into madness. The gradual build is masterfully paced, creeping from mundane spider-squashing to auditory hallucinations, bizarre discharges, and an MRI payoff that's a perfect 10 on the revulsion scale. You'll feel every itch, every skitter, and every buzz. Just don't read it before going to sleep because you might wake up feeling...entangled.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yet again another fantastic and horrifying story by Janelle! If you are terrified by spiders, especially ones that might crawl inside you and do things, well this might be a problem for you. Such a great story and Jenna as the main character with Arachnophobia is just so perfect. Great work as always and can’t wait to read what’s next.
Review of advance copy
Complete with a 70s-era Burt Reynolds mustache!
Very short and easy read.
Not at all what I thought the story would be about. Not your standard "spider" type of story. Lots of body horror in these pages.
-I received this book as an ARC-
Very short and easy read.
Not at all what I thought the story would be about. Not your standard "spider" type of story. Lots of body horror in these pages.
-I received this book as an ARC-
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every book I read from this author gets better and better! And yea, I wasn't afraid of spiders...now I am. Full review soon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review Pending!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Short but not sweet! Creepy ear ringing spider tale! 4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing!!!!! 5 STARS!!!! The descriptive way the author paints such a vivid picture is captivating from beginning to end! Highly recommend!! Cannot wait to see what else she writes!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A quick and creepy read, Spider is bound to terrorise hypochondriacs and arachnophobes and give warm fuzzy feelings to fans of body horror. Don’t read it the night before a promotion interview.
January 15, 2026
Intelligent, invasive, and unforgettable. We experience the terror from the inside out! The migraines, strange pressures, frightening physical effects, etc.
This is not a horror novel that’s wants to scare you and then tuck you in at night. It wants to crawl inside your skull, lay eggs, and wait.
This is not a horror novel that’s wants to scare you and then tuck you in at night. It wants to crawl inside your skull, lay eggs, and wait.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review.
As someone who has arachnophobia this novella was definitely a choice! There was no way I was going to turn Janelle down when she asked if I would like an advanced copy of her newest story.
Janelle is one of my favourite horror writers so I was excited to read her take on body horror! I read the majority of this story during my lunch break at work. There was no chance of reading this before bed! I value my sleep too much for that! The last reading stint was done while sitting on my sofa with my dog so I could use stroking her to regulate my flight or flight response. I lost count of the amount of times I had to stop myself from throwing my Kindle away from me in disgust at what I was reading! This is definitely one of those times I wish I didn’t have a vivid imagination. So, bravo once again Janelle! This story will leave your skin crawling (from the inside out).
As someone who has arachnophobia this novella was definitely a choice! There was no way I was going to turn Janelle down when she asked if I would like an advanced copy of her newest story.
Janelle is one of my favourite horror writers so I was excited to read her take on body horror! I read the majority of this story during my lunch break at work. There was no chance of reading this before bed! I value my sleep too much for that! The last reading stint was done while sitting on my sofa with my dog so I could use stroking her to regulate my flight or flight response. I lost count of the amount of times I had to stop myself from throwing my Kindle away from me in disgust at what I was reading! This is definitely one of those times I wish I didn’t have a vivid imagination. So, bravo once again Janelle! This story will leave your skin crawling (from the inside out).
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC copy
Master of 80's horror movies in prose, Janelle Schiecke, brings us another diabolical tale, this time on the creepy-crawley side. SPIDER is about exactly what you would imagine, and it's that knowledge that makes it so effective. You know what's going on, and it prays upon an archetypal fear. Something is afoot ... or, rather, under foot, under blanket, under the skin. A sinister plot takes us into the life of the MC, who takes us into a web of neuroses where she, ultimately, becomes the fly. Schiecke breaks the main narrative with quick, creepy insights into where no one else can see, which adds to the tension and revulsion. Welcome to The Valley of the Spiders, though it all might be in your mind.
Master of 80's horror movies in prose, Janelle Schiecke, brings us another diabolical tale, this time on the creepy-crawley side. SPIDER is about exactly what you would imagine, and it's that knowledge that makes it so effective. You know what's going on, and it prays upon an archetypal fear. Something is afoot ... or, rather, under foot, under blanket, under the skin. A sinister plot takes us into the life of the MC, who takes us into a web of neuroses where she, ultimately, becomes the fly. Schiecke breaks the main narrative with quick, creepy insights into where no one else can see, which adds to the tension and revulsion. Welcome to The Valley of the Spiders, though it all might be in your mind.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The versatile Schiecke’s latest is probably her most unsettling effort so far, and when talking about the author behind Death Cult, that’s really saying something.
What we get with Spider is a slow burn descent into paranoia and decay as our likeable, yet slightly neurotic, protagonist comes to suspect she’s suffering from a particularly disturbing ailment.
To say any more risks spoilers. Just take my word for it, this psychological/body horror is skin-crawlingly superb.
What we get with Spider is a slow burn descent into paranoia and decay as our likeable, yet slightly neurotic, protagonist comes to suspect she’s suffering from a particularly disturbing ailment.
To say any more risks spoilers. Just take my word for it, this psychological/body horror is skin-crawlingly superb.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Just the title Spider sets you up with an expectation of what kind of book this will be. This was spider horror done right, and some. I'm not easily creeped out or grossed out, there was a part in this that made me shiver a bit.
Highly enjoyed the story and the deterioration of the main character, particularly because I did not enjoy the personality of the main character much. I loved that there was lore behind what was going on, and the ending was a perfect horror ending, one that terrifies and leaves one thinking.
Another Schiecke masterpiece.
Highly enjoyed the story and the deterioration of the main character, particularly because I did not enjoy the personality of the main character much. I loved that there was lore behind what was going on, and the ending was a perfect horror ending, one that terrifies and leaves one thinking.
Another Schiecke masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2026
Another badass book by Janelle! The body horror is well done and truly gets under your skin. I loved the tense buildup to a satisfying ending.
It’s a quick, fun read that’s worth checking out! (Unless you hate spiders)
It’s a quick, fun read that’s worth checking out! (Unless you hate spiders)
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